Anthropology Instructor, Jo Petersen, designed and teaches online sections for Introduction to Anthropology, Language, Culture and the Human Animal, and Cultures of the World.  

Name:  Jo Petersen

Division:  CHSS

What Courses do you teach online? 

Anthropology 1101 – Introduction to Anthropology

Anthropology 1110 – Language Culture and the Human Animal

Anthropology 1130 – Archaeology: Cultures of the World

In addition to your online courses, have you used distance learning to enhance your face-to-face courses?

I haven’t gotten that far, yet! I would really like to include some of the wonderful web resources in my face-to-faces curriculum.

What do you like to do when you’re not teaching? (Hobbies)

My passion is archaeology, which involves camping, hiking and other outdoor activities. I read in diverse subjects (life-long learning!) and I also love to cook and garden. I have three daughters (one teenager, still at home) and two beautiful grandchildren; so they keep me pretty busy! I enjoy traveling, when I get a chance! I’m learning to sail this year, a new batch of possibilities there!

As an online instructor, what role do you see distance learning playing in the future education of students?

The possibilities for distance learning are wide open. I feel excited to be in on it at this early stage. I have students from around the globe. With technology, students (and instructors) are no longer tied to urban learning centers. I look forward to the day when I can be working at a remote archaeological site and teaching students in Kazakhstan at the same time. The opportunity for students here in our own back yard is wonderful. I have DL students that live on the Rez who would never be able to take courses in the city without giving up their traditional life.

If you could change one thing about your online courses, what would it be and why?

Hmmm…I’ll have to think about that one!

Knowing what you now know about online instruction, what advice would you give to brand new instructors? 

Don’t make it harder than it has to be. All the bells and whistles are fun…but if I’m intimidated by a feature, chances are the students will be, too. I try to keep the course shell simple and straightforward. I also try to balance the work load to make it a meaningful learning experience without overwhelming them with assessments.

Knowing what you now know about online instruction, what advice would you give other “seasoned” online instructors?

Use your own judgment! Develop a virtual classroom environment where students feel free to express their concerns and opinions. Encourage interaction between them and with them. We know our students and have a ‘personal’ investment in them; online or face-to-face.